Lange, J.Henry died 1873

LANGE, LANG

Posted By: Audrey Haught
Date: 1/15/2018 at 22:04:14

Mr. J.H. Lange, an old and well known citizen of this county lost his life in a horrible manner, on Wednesday afternoon of last week.

He was driving four horses to a large McCormic reaper on the farm of his son, Wm. Lange, in Farmersburg township. Some pigs of a neighbor’s were bothering in the grain. He stopped the team and got down on the sickle side to drive them away; the team suddenly swung into the grain and started forward.

It is estimated that some fifteen minutes must have elapsed before the accident was discovered by others, and then first by his son William, who found his mangled body lying some distance behind the reaper, which had gone entirely over him.

He was yet alive and cognizant of his situation. The son had him picked up and carried to the house while he hurried for a physician. On his return it was found that both legs were very nearly severed near the hips, one arm nearly off, and he was injured internally by being beaten in the chest by the reel or rake.

He lived only about two hours but retained full consciousness to the last, relating how the accident occurred, and giving directions regarding his affairs, his burial, etc.

He was German by birth 68 years old but active and strong as most men at middle age; had lived in Clayton county nearly twenty years, until a short time ago near Clayton Center.

He was universally respected.

Clayton County Journal: August 6, 1873

Note: 1870 census, Farmersburg twp.- He is enumerated as Henry Lang, with his wife Louisa & son William. His gravestone in the Zion Lutheran cemetery, Clayton Center also spells his surname as Lang.